Modular barrier device for a double occupancy room partition

ABSTRACT

A modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate living spaces comprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modules arranged in a side-by-side as a well as a back-to-back fashion, and adjacent to a door module, to create a closet module to define the two separate living spaces in the room; at least one door rail attached to the closet module; at least one barn-style door slidably attached to the at least one door rail to provide user access to at least one of the two separate living spaces; and an adjustable valence system, said adjustable valence system capable of attaching to the closet module and further capable of expanding to fill any gap between the top of the closet module and a room ceiling.

FIELD

A method and apparatus for creating a modular barrier device for adouble occupancy room partition is generally described.

BACKGROUND

In some embodiments, a modular barrier device for a double occupancyroom divider (a/k/a “D.O. system”) is a modular device used for dividinga single bedroom into two separate sleeping quarters (a/k/a bedrooms),affording occupants of each sub-divided room with a comfortable andprivate space. The D.O. system is comprised of back-to-back millworkcloset components to create a primary partition structure, two lockablebarn-style doors to close off the individual bedrooms and an expandable“valence” system to fill the cavity from the top of the primarypartition structure to the finished ceiling, reducing light and soundtransference between the individual bedrooms and living room. Theobjective of the invention is to use this modular harrier to create twodistinct living spaces in a wide variety of rooms (e.g., from medium tolarge size) that previously would only hold one occupant, or would holdtwo or more occupants with little or no privacy,

The millwork closet system is designed using a limited number of primarystandard-sized cabinet components, allowing the entire system to fit amultitude of different rooms, layouts and applications withoutsignificant redesign of the system as a whole. The modular componentscan be created from metal, wood, medium-density fiberboard (“MDF”) andthe like. Doors for closets and storage may be sliding doors similar tothe barn-style door, fabric, hinged, or bi-fold and may be composed oflaminate materials, slatted, or solid materials (including metal, wood,medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or frosted glass) and may be unadornedor may be covered with mirrors, cork board, dry erase boards and thelike. They include storage spaces for clothes (both folded and hanging),shoes, laundry, books, accessories and the like comprising shelves,cabinets, cubbies, baskets and drawers. The modules are installedside-by-side and back-to-back, creating the primary structure on whichthe rest of the system is attached.

The barn-style doors are mounted on rails on each closet module withinthe bedrooms, allowing occupants to easily slide the door open andclosed for additional privacy. The barn style doors have spring loadedwheels on the bottom and/or top of the door to provide stability acrossuneven floors or finish materials. The ham doors are keyed and lockableusing magnetic hardware specific for sliding doors which use a magneticcatch and plunger to create a positive hold within a millwork jambinstalled along the drywall at the inside of the room.

The expandable valence system is comprised of three components: 1)Header Fascia 2) Drop-In Ceiling and 3) Expandable Filler. The headerfascia runs the length of the system on the inside of both bedrooms andcloses the gaps between the top of the millwork closet system and thefinished ceiling. The drop in ceiling eliminates light and sound fromentering either bedroom from the shared vestibule and common livingarea. The expandable filler is made of compressed foam and insulationthat fills the cavity between the top of the millwork closet system andthe finished ceiling once deployed.

Typical room dimensions capable of accommodating this system vary from9′-12′ wide and 25′-30′ deep, but the entry into the room should becentrally located and coordinated around the position of the sharedvestibule.

Past methods and apparatus for creating a double occupancy room dividerrequired high levels of customization of each piece, were expensive, andprovided less function.

In view of the disadvantages associated with currently available methodsand devices for a double occupancy room divider, there is a need for adevice and method that reduce or eliminate such issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with amodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces, comprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as a well as a hack-to-back fashion, andadjacent to a door module, to create a closet module to define the twoseparate living spaces in the room; at least one door rail attached tothe closet module; at least one barn-style door slidably attached to theat least one door rail to provide user access to at least one of the twoseparate living spaces; and an adjustable valence system, saidadjustable valence system capable of attaching to the closet module andfurther capable of expanding to fill any gap between the top of thecloset module and a room ceiling in the room.

According to another aspect, the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces wherein the plurality of storage modules furthercomprised of at least one shelf, cubby, basket, drawer or closet rod.

According to yet another aspect the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the plurality of storage modules furthercomprised of at least one storage door to enclose at least a portion ofthe storage modules.

According to still another aspect the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the at least one storage door furthercomprises at least one storage sliding door, storage hinged door,storage bi-fold door or storage fabric door.

According to yet still another aspect the present embodiments mayfurther comprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room intotwo separate living spaces, wherein the at least one storage door iscomposed of metal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, orslats.

According to still yet another aspect the present embodiments mayfurther comprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room intotwo separate living spaces, wherein the at least one storage doorfurther comprises at least one storage door covering composed of astorage door mirror covering, a storage door corkboard covering, or astorage door dry-erase board covering.

According to another aspect the present embodiments may further comprisethe modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces, wherein the barn-style door slidably attached to the doorrail to provide user access to at least one of the two separate livingspaces further comprises a locking mechanism.

According to yet another aspect the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the locking mechanism further comprisesa magnetic lock.

According to still another aspect the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the barn-style door slidably attached tothe door rail to provide user access to at least one of the two separateliving spaces further comprises at least one spring-loaded wheelattached to the barn-style door to provide stability for the barn-styledoor when the barn style door is slid open or closed across an unevenroom floor.

According to yet still another aspect the present embodiments mayfurther comprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room intotwo separate living spaces, wherein the adjustable valence systemfurther comprises a header fascia to cover any gap between the top ofthe primary room partition and the room ceiling in the room, a drop-inceiling over a common area to reduce light and sound from the commonarea, and an expandable filler to fill a cavity defined by the closetmodule, the room ceiling in the room, the drop-in ceiling and the headerfascia to further reduce light and sound transmission from the commonarea and between the two separate living spaces.

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with amodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces comprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion andadjacent to a door module to create a closet module, to define the twoseparate living spaces, in the room, wherein said plurality of storagemodules further consist of at least one shelf, cubby, basket, drawer orcloset rod; said plurality of storage modules further consist of atleast one storage door to enclose at least a portion of the storagemodules; a door rail attached to the closet module; a barn-style doorslidably attached to the door rail to provide user access to at leastone of the two separate living spaces; said barn-style door furtherconsists of a locking mechanism; said barn-style door further consistsof at least one spring-loaded wheel attached to the barn-style door toprovide stability for the barn-style door when the barn style door isslid open or closed across an uneven room floor; an adjustable valencesystem, said adjustable valence system capable of attaching to thecloset module and further capable of expanding to fill any gap betweenthe top of closet module and a room ceiling in the room; and saidadjustable valence system further consists of a header fascia to fillany gap between the top of the closet module and the room ceiling in theroom, a drop-in ceiling over a common area to reduce light and soundfrom the common area, and an expandable filler to fill a cavity definedby the closet module, the room ceiling in the room, the drop-in ceilingand the header fascia to further reduce light and sound transmissionfrom the common area and between the two separate living spaces.

According to another aspect, the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the at least one storage door furthercomprises at least one storage sliding door, storage hinged door,storage hi-fold door or storage fabric door.

According to yet another aspect, the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the at least one storage door iscomposed of metal wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, orslats.

According to still another aspect, the present embodiments may furthercomprise the modular harrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces, wherein the at least one door further comprisesat least one storage door covering composed of a storage door mirrorcovering, a storage door corkboard covering, or a storage door dry-eraseboard covering.

According to yet still another aspect, the present embodiments mayfurther comprise the modular barrier device for partitioning a room intotwo separate living spaces, wherein the locking mechanism furthercomprises a magnetic lock.

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with amodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces comprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion andadjacent to a door module to create a closet module, to define the twoseparate living spaces, in the room, wherein said plurality of storagemodules further consist of at least one shelf, cubby, basket, drawer orcloset rod; said plurality of storage modules further consist of atleast one storage door to enclose at least a portion of the storagecabinets; said at least one storage door further consist of at least onestorage sliding door, storage hinged door, storage bi-fold door orstorage fabric door; said at least one storage door is composed ofmetal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats; saidat least one storage door further consists of at least one storage doorcovering composed of a storage door mirror covering, a storage doorcorkboard covering, or a storage door dry-erase board covering; a doorrail attached to the closet module; a barn-style door slidably attachedto the door rail to provide user access to at least one of the twoseparate living spaces; said barn-style door further consists of alocking mechanism; said locking mechanism further consists of a magneticlock; said barn-style door further consists of at least onespring-loaded wheel attached to the barn-style door to provide stabilityfor the barn-style door when the barn style door is slid open or closedacross an uneven room floor; an adjustable valence system, saidadjustable valence system capable of attaching to the closet module andfurther capable of expanding to fill any gap between the top of thecloset module and a room ceiling in the room; and said adjustablevalence system further consists of a header fascia to fill any gapbetween the top of the closet module and the room ceiling in the room, adrop-in ceiling over a common area to reduce light and sound from thecommon area, and an expandable filler to till a cavity defined by thecloset module, the room ceiling in the room, the drop-in ceiling and theheader fascia to further reduce light and sound transmission from thecommon area and between the two separate living spaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodimentsthereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a modular barrier device for partitioning aroom into two separate living spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a closet module portion of a modularbarrier device for partitioning a room into two separate living spacesaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a modular barrier device forpartitioning a room into two separate living spaces according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable valance systemof a modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an assembled perspective view of an adjustable valance systemof a modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a modular barrier device for partitioning aroom into two separate living spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a modular barrier device for partitioning aroom into two separate living spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a modular barrier device for partitioning aroom into two separate living spaces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism according to anembodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a spring-loaded wheel according to anembodiment.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description, along with theaccompanying figures in which like numerals represent like componentsthroughout the figures and text. The various described features are notnecessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific featuresrelevant to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation, and is not meant as alimitation and does not constitute a definition of all possibleembodiments.

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, a simpleexample will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure.Those skilled in the an will recognize that this example is illustrativeand not limiting and is provided purely for explanatory purposes. In theillustrative example and as seen in FIGS. 1-9 a modular barrier device100 for partitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102 and104 is shown.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a plan view is provided that illustrates anembodiment of a modular barrier device 100, for partitioning a room 101,into two separate living spaces 102 and 104. FIG. 1 shows a pluralitystorage modules 110, and a door module 115, assembled together to createa closet module 120. The closet module 120, is also shown with doorrails 130, and barn-style doors 140, attached to create a modularbarrier device 100. The barn style doors 140, are shown in the closedposition with the arrows indicating the direction of travel for thebarn-style doors 140 to move into the open position.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a perspective view is provided that illustratesan embodiment of a closet module 120, which is shown in a portion of aroom 101. A plurality of storage modules 110, and a door module 115, areshown assembled into a closet module 120, thereby creating a common area109.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view is provided thatillustrates an embodiment of modular barrier device 100, forpartitioning a room 101. A plurality of storage modules 110, and a doormodule 115, are shown assembled together in a portion of a room 101.Door rail 130, barn-style doors 140 with locking mechanism 142, storagedoors 111, header fascia 162, to cover a gap 167 are shown in explodedview. Drop in ceiling 164, and void created 168, are shown withexpandable filler 166, to fill the void 168, and fill the gap 167, arealso shown in exploded view. Shelves 112, cubby 114, a basket 116,drawers 118 are also shown in this view.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, an exploded perspective view is provided thatillustrates an adjustable valance system 160, in a room 101. Theadjustable valance system 160, includes fascia boards 162, to cover agap 167, drop in ceiling 164, and expandable tiller 166 to fill a cavity168, and the gap 167.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, an assembled perspective view is provided thatillustrates an adjustable valance system 160, in a room 101. Theadjustable valance system 160, includes fascia boards 162, drop inceiling 164, and expandable filler 166, to fill a cavity 168, and a gap167.

Turning now to FIG. 5 aside view of a closet module 120, is shownpositioned between room floor 108, and room ceiling 106, according to anembodiment. Expandable filler 166, filling a gap 167, between the closetmodule 120, and the room ceiling 106, are shown. Door rail 130, andburn-style door 140 with locking mechanism 142 and spring-loaded wheels144, attached to the closet module 120, are also shown. Shelves 112,cubby 114, basket 116, drawers 118, and closet rod 119, are shown in thecloset module 120. Hinged storage doors 111B and bi-fold storage door111C, are also shown attached to the closet module 120. Hinged storagedoors 111B and bi-fold storage door 111C as shown can be composed ofmetal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, slats, glass, fabricor other suitable material. Storage door mirror covering 113A, and astorage door corkboard covering 113B, are shown on bi-fold storage door111C as an example.

Turning now to FIG. 6 a side view of a closet module 120, is shownpositioned between room floor 108, and room ceiling 106, according to anembodiment. Expandable filler 166, filling a gap 167, between the closetmodule 120, and the room ceiling 106, are shown. Door rail 130, andbarn-style door 140 with locking mechanism 142 and spring-loaded wheels144, attached to the closet module 120, are also shown. Shelves 112, anddrawers 118, are shown in the closet module 120. Sliding storage door111A, and hinged storage doors 111B, are also shown attached to thecloset module 120. Sliding storage door 111A, and hinged storage doors111B, as shown can be composed metal, wood medium density fiberboard,laminate, slats, glass, fabric or other suitable material. Hingedstorage door 111B, is shown composed of glass as an example. Storagedoor dry-erase board covering 113C, is shown on sliding storage door111A, as an example.

Turning now to FIG. 7 a side view of a closet module 120, is shownpositioned between room floor 108, and room ceiling 106, according to anembodiment. Expandable filler 166, filling a gap 167, between the closetmodule 120, and the room ceiling 106, are shown. Door rail 130, andbarn-style door 140 with locking mechanism 142 and spring-loaded wheels144, attached to the closet module 120, are also shown. Shelves 112, anddrawers 118, are shown in the closet module 120. Hinged storage doors111B, and fabric storage doors 111D, are also shown attached to thecloset module 120. Hinged storage doors 111B, as shown can be composedmetal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, slats, glass, fabricor other suitable material. Hinged storage door 111B, is shown composedof slats as an example.

Turning now to FIG. 8 a perspective view of an exemplary lockingmechanism 142, for a barn-style door 140, is shown.

Turning now to FIG. 9 a perspective view of an exemplary spring-loadedwheel 144, for a barn-style door 140, is shown.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-9 together, various views are provided thatillustrate various aspects of an embodiment of a modular barrier device100 for partitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104comprising: a plurality of storage modules 110, said storage modules 110arranged in a side-by-side as a well as a back-to-back fashion, andadjacent to a door module 115, to create a closet module 120 to definethe two separate living spaces 102, 104 in the room 101; at least onedoor rail 130 attached to the closet module 120; at least one barn-styledoor 140 slidably attached to the at least one door rail 130 to provideuser access to at least one of the two separate living spaces 102, 104;and an adjustable valence system 160, said adjustable valence system 160capable of attaching to the closet module 120 and further capable ofexpanding to till any gap 167 between the top of the closet module 120and a room ceiling 106 in the room 101.

In some embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioning aroom 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104, wherein the pluralityof storage modules 110 further comprised of at least one shelf 112,cubby 114, basket 116, drawer 118 or closet rod 119.

In other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioning aroom 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104, wherein the pluralityof storage modules 110 further comprised of at least one storage door111 to enclose at least a portion of the storage modules 110.

In still other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the at least one storage door 111 further comprises at least onestorage sliding door 111A, storage hinged door 111B, storage bi-folddoor 111C or storage fabric door 111D.

In yet still other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the at least one storage door 111 is composed of metal, wood,medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats.

In yet some other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the at least one storage door 11 further comprises at least onestorage door covering composed of a storage door mirror covering 113A, astorage door corkboard covering 113B, or a storage door dry-erase boardcovering 113C.

In various embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioninga room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104 of claim 1, whereinthe barn-style door 140 slidably attached to the door rail 130 toprovide user access to at least one of the two separate living spaces102, 104 further comprises a locking mechanism 142.

In various other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104 ofclaim 7, wherein the locking mechanism 142 further comprises a magneticlock.

In yet various other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the barn-style door 140 slidably attached to the door rail 130to provide user access to at least one of the two separate living spaces102, 104 further comprises at least one spring-loaded wheel 144 attachedto the barn-style door to provide stability for the barn-style door 140when the barn style door 140 is slid open or closed across an unevenroom floor 108.

In some embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioning aroom 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104, wherein theadjustable valence system 160 further comprises a header fascia 162 tocover any gap 167 between the top of the primary room partition 150 andthe room ceiling 106 in the room 101, a drop-in ceiling 164 over acommon area 109 to reduce light and sound from the common area 109, andan expandable filler 166 to fill a cavity 168 defined by the closetmodule 120, the room ceiling 106 in the room 101, the drop-in ceiling164 and the header fascia 162 to further reduce light and soundtransmission from the common area 109 and between the two separateliving spaces 102, 104.

Turning again to FIGS. 1-9 together, various views are provided thatillustrate various aspects of an embodiment of a modular barrier device100 for partitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104comprising: a plurality of storage modules 110, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion andadjacent to a door module 115 to create a closet module 120, to definethe two separate living spaces 102, 104, in the room 101, wherein saidplurality of storage modules 110 further consist of at least one shelf112, cubby 14, basket 116, drawer 118 or closet rod 119; said pluralityof storage modules 110 further consist of at least one storage door 111to enclose at least a portion of the storage modules 110; a door rail130 attached to the closet module 120; a barn-style door 140 slidablyattached to the door rail 130 to provide user access to at least one ofthe two separate living spaces 102, 104; said barn-style door 140further consists of a locking mechanism 142; said barn-style door 140further consists of at least one spring-loaded wheel 144 attached to thebarn-style door 140 to provide stability for the barn-style door 140when the barn style door 140 is slid open or closed across an unevenroom floor 108; an adjustable valence system 160, said adjustablevalence system 160 capable of attaching to the closet module 120 andfurther capable of expanding to fill any gap 167 between the top ofcloset module 120 and a room ceiling 106 in the room 101; and saidadjustable valence system 160 further consists of a header fascia 162 tofill any gap 167 between the top of the closet module 120 and the roomceiling 106 in the room 101, a drop-in ceiling 164 over a common area109 to reduce light and sound from the common area 109, and anexpandable filler 166 to fill a cavity 168 defined by the closet module120, the room ceiling 106 in the room 101, the drop-in ceiling 164 andthe header fascia 162 to further reduce light and sound transmissionfrom the common area 109 and between the two separate living spaces 102,104.

In some embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioning aroom 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104, wherein the at leastone storage door 111 further comprises at least one storage sliding door111A, storage hinged door 111B, storage bi-fold door 111C or storagefabric door 111D.

In other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 for partitioning aroom 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104, wherein the at leastone storage door 111 is composed of metal, wood, medium densityfiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats.

In still other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the at least one door 111 further comprises at least one storagedoor covering composed of a storage door mirror covering 113A, a storagedoor corkboard covering 113B, or a storage door dry-erase board covering113C.

In yet still other embodiments, the modular barrier device 100 forpartitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces 102, 104,wherein the locking mechanism 142 further comprises a magnetic lock.

Turning once again to FIGS. 1-9 together, various views are providedthat illustrate various aspects of an embodiment of a modular barrierdevice 100 for partitioning a room 101 into two separate living spaces102, 104 comprising: a plurality of storage modules 110, said storagemodules 110 arranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashionand adjacent to a door module 115 to create a closet module 120, todefine the two separate living spaces 102, 104, in the room 101, whereinsaid plurality of storage modules 110 further consist of at least oneshelf 112, cubby 114, basket 116, drawer 118 or closet rod 119; saidplurality of storage modules 110 further consist of at least one storagedoor 111 to enclose at least a portion of the storage cabinets 110; saidat least one storage door 111 further consist of at least one storagesliding door 111A, storage hinged door 113, storage bi-fold door 111C orstorage fabric door 111D; said at least one storage door 111 is composedof metal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats;said at least one storage door further consists of at least one storagedoor covering composed of a storage door mirror covering 113A, a storagedoor corkboard covering 113B, or a storage door dry-erase board covering113C; a door rail 130 attached to the closet module 120; a barn-styledoor 140 slidably attached to the door rail 130 to provide user accessto at least one of the two separate living spaces 102, 104; saidbarn-style door 140 further consists of a locking mechanism 142; saidlocking mechanism 142 further consists of a magnetic lock; saidbarn-style door 140 further consists of at least one spring-loaded wheel144 attached to the barn-style door 140 to provide stability for thebarn-style door 140 when the barn style door 140 is slid open or closedacross an uneven room floor 108; an adjustable valence system 160, saidadjustable valence system 160 capable of attaching to the closet module120 and further capable of expanding to fill any gap 167 between the topof the closet module 120 and a room ceiling 106 in the room 101; andsaid adjustable valence system 160 further consists of a header fascia162 to fill any gap 167 between the top of the closet module 120 and theroom ceiling 106 in the room 101, a drop-in ceiling 164 over a commonarea 109 to reduce light and sound from the common area 109, and anexpandable filler 166 to fill a cavity 168 defined by the closet module120, the room ceiling 106 in the room 101, the drop-in ceiling 164 andthe header fascia 162 to further reduce light and sound transmissionfrom the common area 109 and between the two separate living spaces 102,104.

The components of the apparatus illustrated are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein, but rather, features illustratedor described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunctionwith other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intendedthat the apparatus include such modifications and variations. Further,steps described in the method may be utilized independently andseparately from other steps described herein.

While the apparatus and method have been described with reference tospecific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope contemplated. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings found herein without departing from theessential scope thereof.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be madeto a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singularforms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”,“some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments thatalso incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as usedherein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modifyany quantitative representation that could permissibly vary withoutresulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to belimited to the precise value specified. In some instances, theapproximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrumentfor measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,”“lower” etc, are used to identify one element from another, and unlessotherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order ornumber of elements.

A used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of anoccurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specifiedproperty, characteristic or function; and/or quality another verb byexpressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibilityassociated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “maybe” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable,or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while takinginto account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimesnot be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in somecircumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in othercircumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction iscaptured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variantslogically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differingextent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consistingessentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have beensupplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween.It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggestthemselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, wherenot already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should coverthose variations.

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents andsubstitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of theimprecision of language; these variations should be covered by theappended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose themethod, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode,and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practicethese, including making and using any devices or systems and performingany incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguage of the claims.

1. A modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces comprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storagemodules arranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion-and adjacent to a door module- to create a closet module to define thetwo separate living spaces in the room; at least one door rail attachedto the closet module; at least one barn-style door slidably attached tothe at least one door rail to provide user access to at least one of thetwo separate living spaces; and an adjustable valence system, saidadjustable valence system capable of attaching to the closet module andfurther capable of expanding to fill any gap between the top of thecloset module and a room ceiling in the room.
 2. The modular barrierdevice for partitioning a room into two separate living spaces of claim1, wherein the plurality of storage modules further comprises at leastone of a shelf, a cubby, a basket, a drawer or a closet rod.
 3. Themodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces of claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage modules furthercomprises of at least one storage door to enclose at least a portion ofthe storage modules.
 4. The modular barrier device for partitioning aroom into two separate living spaces of claim 3, wherein the at leastone storage door further comprises at least one storage sliding door,storage hinged door, storage bi-fold door or storage fabric door.
 5. Themodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces of claim 4, wherein the at least one storage door is composed ofmetal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats. 6.The modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces of claim 3, wherein the at least one storage door furthercomprises at least one storage door covering composed of a storage doormirror covering, a storage door corkboard covering, or a storage doordry-erase board covering.
 7. The modular barrier device for partitioninga room into two separate living spaces of claim 1, wherein thebarn-style door slidably attached to the door rail to provide useraccess to at least one of the two separate living spaces furthercomprises a locking mechanism.
 8. The modular barrier device forpartitioning a room into two separate living spaces of claim 7, whereinthe locking mechanism further comprises a magnetic lock.
 9. The modularbarrier device for partitioning a room into two separate living spacesof claim 1, wherein the barn-style door slidably attached to the doorrail to provide user access to at least one of the two separate livingspaces further comprises at least one spring-loaded wheel attached tothe barn-style door to provide stability for the barn-style door whenthe barn style door is slid open or closed across an uneven room floor.10. The modular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separateliving spaces of claim 1, wherein the adjustable valence system furthercomprises a header fascia to cover any gap between the top of theprimary room partition and the room ceiling in the room, a drop-inceiling over a common area to reduce light and sound from the commonarea, and an expandable filler to fill a cavity defined by the closetmodule, the room ceiling in the room, the drop-in ceiling and the headerfascia to further reduce light and sound transmission from the commonarea and between the two separate living spaces.
 11. A modular barrierdevice for partitioning a room into two separate living spacescomprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion andadjacent to a door module to create a closet module- to define the twoseparate living spaces in the room, wherein said plurality of storagemodules further consist of at least one of a shelf, a cubby, a basket, adrawer or a closet rod; said plurality of storage modules furtherconsist of at least one storage door to enclose at least a portion ofthe storage modules; a door rail attached to the closet module; abarn-style door slidably attached to the door rail to provide useraccess to at least one of the two separate living spaces; saidbarn-style door further consists of a locking mechanism; said barn-styledoor further consists of at least one spring-loaded wheel attached tothe barn-style door to provide stability for the barn-style door whenthe barn style door is slid open or closed across an uneven room floor;and an adjustable valence system, said adjustable valence system capableof attaching to the closet module and further capable of expanding tofill any gap between the top of the closet module and a room ceiling inthe room; said adjustable valence system further consists of a headerfascia to fill any gap between the top of the closet module and the roomceiling in the room, a drop-in ceiling over a common area to reducelight and sound from the common area, and an expandable filler to fill acavity defined by the closet module, the room ceiling in the room, thedrop-in ceiling and the header fascia to further reduce light and soundtransmission from the common area and between the two separate livingspaces.
 12. The modular barrier device for partitioning a room into twoseparate living spaces of claim 11, wherein the at least one storagedoor further comprises at least one storage sliding door, storage hingeddoor, storage bi-fold door or storage fabric door.
 13. The modularbarrier device for partitioning a room into two separate living spacesof claim 12, wherein the at least one storage door is composed of metal,wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats.
 14. Themodular barrier device for partitioning a room into two separate livingspaces of claim 11, wherein the at least one door further comprises atleast one storage door covering composed of a storage door mirrorcovering, a storage door corkboard covering, or a storage door dry-eraseboard covering.
 15. The modular barrier device for partitioning a roominto two separate living spaces of claim 11, wherein the lockingmechanism further comprises a magnetic lock.
 16. A modular barrierdevice for partitioning a room into two separate living spacescomprising: a plurality of storage modules, said storage modulesarranged in a side-by-side as well as a back-to-back fashion andadjacent to a door module to create a closet module; to define the twoseparate living spaces, in the room, wherein said plurality of storagemodules further consist of at least one of a shelf, a cubby, a basket, adrawer or a closet rod; said plurality of storage modules furtherconsist of at least one storage door to enclose at least a portion ofthe storage cabinets; said at least one storage door further consists ofat least one storage sliding door, storage hinged door, storage bi-folddoor or storage fabric door; said at least one storage door is composedof metal, wood, medium density fiberboard, laminate, glass, or slats;said at least one storage door further consists of at least one storagedoor covering composed of a storage door mirror covering, a storage doorcorkboard covering, or a storage door dry-erase board covering; a doorrail attached to the closet module; a barn-style door slidably attachedto the door rail to provide user access to at least one of the twoseparate living spaces; said barn-style door further consists of alocking mechanism; said locking mechanism further consists of a magneticlock; said barn-style door further consists of at least onespring-loaded wheel attached to the barn-style door to provide stabilityfor the barn-style door when the barn style door is slid open or closedacross an uneven room floor; and an adjustable valence system, saidadjustable valence system capable of attaching to the closet module andfurther capable of expanding to fill any gap between the top of thecloset module and a room ceiling in the room; said adjustable valencesystem further consists of a header fascia to fill any gap between thetop of the closet module and the room ceiling in the room, a drop-inceiling over a common area to reduce light and sound from the commonarea, and an expandable filler to fill a cavity defined by the closetmodule, the room ceiling in the room, the drop-in ceiling and the headerfascia to further reduce light and sound transmission from the commonarea and between the two separate living spaces.